It’s clear that Katharine McPhee aims to look her best for the premiere of her highly anticipated TV show Smash.
The glamorous American Idol runner-up is featured in the latest GQ, proudly showcasing her curves while relaxing in a bath.
In a playful manner, the star hints that she will be appearing nude later in the NBC series produced by Steven Spielberg, which chronicles the making of a musical themed around Marilyn Monroe.
Regrettably for her many male admirers, it was merely a cheeky comment to entice more men to watch.
The 27-year-old quipped: ‘How about this: if I tell your readers that in episode five I take off all my clothes?’
However, she later disclosed that such a scene does not actually occur in the show, which is being promoted as a more mature version of Glee.
Nevertheless, she provided a valid reason for men to tune in — to escape their partners’ dismay.
Portraying the ambitious Karen, she stated: ‘I go to all the guy movies, so now I know I enjoy them. But you have to be adaptable.’
She advised girlfriends: ‘Just pin him down, make him watch an episode with you.’
Alongside her in the cast is Broadway star Megan Hilty, who plays her competitor for the Marilyn Monroe role.
Other notable cast members include Jack Davenport from This Life and Pirates of the Caribbean, Debra Messing from Will and Grace, and Anjelica Houston from The Addams Family.
Despite the pressure of winning over Hollywood icon Steven Spielberg, she claims the audition process was quite manageable.
“It was one of the easier auditions I’ve experienced,” she noted.
‘I auditioned, recorded myself, flew to New York the following week, and tested for the role.
‘I waited two days for Mr. Spielberg to review my tape, and I landed the part.’
When she finally met the legendary director from Amblin’, she found him to be unexpectedly warm.
She remarked: ‘Mr. Spielberg, upon meeting him, is not intimidating at all. He’s the most lovely, wonderful, gentle man.’
She believes that audiences will embrace her character Karen, who aspires to stardom.
She described her character as ‘the ultimate dreamer, someone who dreams significantly.’
‘Our show focuses on ambitious dreams. She is kind-hearted and incredibly driven.’
‘She’s very determined regarding her career and her approach, all while maintaining a strong moral compass.
‘When you first meet her, she might seem a bit naive. She’s still figuring out how things operate in the industry and goes through substantial growth during the first season.’
by Harry Harper
